Axle Shafts, Removing and Installing

Special tools and equipment





- 3283 Press tool
- VAG 1756 Angle wrench
- VW 408A Press tool
- VW 402 Press plate
- VW 401 Press plate
- VW 522 Support sleeve
- 40-204A Tensioner

Removing
Ensure wheel bearings are not loaded with 12-point nuts loose.
If bearings are loaded by vehicles weight and 12-point nuts are loose wheel bearings will be stressed and their life expectancy reduced.
If a vehicle is moved after removing axle shaft, first install outer joint and tighten to 50 Nm (37 ft 11b).
- Lift vehicle to relieve load on front axle.
- Loosen 1 2-point nut.
- Disconnect axle shaft from transmission drive flange.
- Mark bolt installation position.





- Remove bolts -1-.





- Press axle shaft out.

Note:
When pressing axle shaft out ensure sufficient clearance is available.

- Remove axle shaft.

The following sequence applies to automatic transmission vehicle only





- Remove bolts (arrows).
- Remove left noise insulation if equipped.





- Push engine/transmission assembly forward with pry bar.
- Remove triple roller joint axle shaft (Arrow points forward)

Installing
Remove paint residue and/or corrosion on outer joint splines.
Coat with oil before installing axle shaft:
Splines of outer joint
Thread of outer joint
Wheel hub splines
contact surface and thread of twelve-point nut
Install axle shaft.
install outer joint, in as far as possible.
Connect ball joint to control arm with new bolts on old
marks.

Note:
Torque ball joint to control arm: 20 Nm (15 ft 1b) + 90° further

- Install inner joint to axle shaft and tighten M8 bolts to 40 Nm (30 ft lb), 80 Nm M 10 (59 ft lb).
- Bolt pendulum support to sub-frame and tighten lo 25 Nm (18 ft lb).
- Tighten outer joint until outer joint comes in contact with wheel bearing.





- Tighten 12-point nut to 300 Nm (221 ft lb) and then loosen 1/2 turn.

Note:
- Torque 50 Nm (37 ft 1b) + turn 45° further
- To tighten 12-point nut use wrench VAG 1756.

If wrench is not available, 12-point nut can be tightened as follows.
- Lower vehicle so wheels are on floor.
- tighten 12 point nut with 300 Nm (221 ft lb) and loosen 1/2 turn





- Mark point on nut with line (arrow A).
- Mark 2nd line (arrow B) on edge of wheel hub above point.
Distance between each point is 30°.
- Tighten 12-point nut until both lines align.